Left supports Patnaik Govt, hopes to forge alliance

The Left on Sunday came out in support of the Naveen Patnaik government, which was reduced to a minority following snapping of ties with ally BJP, and even hinted at forging an alliance with the BJD for the upcoming Lok Sabha and assembly elections in Orissa.

“We have said in case of test on the floor, the MLA of CPI-M will be supporting his (Patnaik’s) government,” CPI-M politburo member Brinda Karat said.

After the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) parted ways with BJP, it sought the support of the Left and other parties in a bid to continue in power.

Patnaik spoke to CPI(M) General Secretary Prakash Karat and party leader Sitaram Yechury has rushed to Bhuwaneshwar accompanied by Orissa CPI(M) Secretary Janardan Pati. The Central Committee of the CPI(M) is holding a two-day session of the Central Committee in Delhi.

Extending support to the BJD , CPI leader D Raja said there will be no threat to its stability due to pullout by the BJP.

“It is a positive development. It is clear that the allies of NDA are learning lessons about BJP’s communal politics out of their own experience,” Raja told PTI.

There is a real possibility for cooperation between the Left parties and the BJD in the upcoming elections, Raja said.